U.S. patent application number 15/496068 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-26 for electrical cables having integrated and manually controllable identification and illumination light sources.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ryan E. Cote. Invention is credited to Ryan E. Cote.
Application Number | 20170310060 15/496068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60090412 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170310060 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cote; Ryan E. |
October 26, 2017 |
ELECTRICAL CABLES HAVING INTEGRATED AND MANUALLY CONTROLLABLE
IDENTIFICATION AND ILLUMINATION LIGHT SOURCES
Abstract
A cable for communicating digital or analog signals between
connectors at its opposite ends has means for indicating to an
installer who has access to one end of the cable which connector is
connected at the opposite end of the same cable. The cable also has
means for illuminating a receptacle to which an installer is
connecting the cable connector. A light source is mounted in each
connector that can be turned on from a switch in the connector at
the opposite end. The light source is configured to radiate light
both transversely from its connector for an indicator function and
also longitudinally from its connector for an illumination
function. Multiple light sources can be used at each connector for
those two functions. The illumination function can be activated
from a switch at the same end as the light source. Implementation
with logic circuits, microcontrollers and/or other semiconductor
devices allows for a variety of embodiments.
Inventors: |
Cote; Ryan E.; (Blacklick,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cote; Ryan E. |
Blacklick |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60090412 |
Appl. No.: |
15/496068 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62327641 |
Apr 26, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 24/60 20130101;
H01R 13/7175 20130101; F21V 23/0414 20130101; H01R 13/7172
20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21L 4/02 20130101; F21V 33/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/717 20060101
H01R013/717; F21L 4/02 20060101 F21L004/02; H01R 13/717 20060101
H01R013/717; F21V 23/04 20060101 F21V023/04 |
Claims
1. A cable including an intermediate cord, a first cable connector
connected to a first end of the cord and a second cable connector
connected to the opposite second end of the cord for coupling
digital or analog signals through the cord and between the
connectors, the cable further comprising: (a) a first light source
mounted to the first cable connector; (b) a manually actuated first
switch mounted to the second cable connector; (c) an electrical
power source; and (d) electrical conductors through the cord and
connecting the first switch, the power source and the first light
source for switching the first light source to an ON state and an
OFF state.
2. A cable according to claim 1 wherein the cable further
comprises: (a) a second light source mounted to the second cable
connector; (b) a manually actuated second switch mounted to the
first cable connector; and (c) the second switch, the power source
and the second light source connected through the electrical
conductors for switching the second light source to an ON state and
an OFF state.
3. A cable according to claim 2 wherein the power source is
electrical conductors in the cable that are connected to a power
supply in an appliance to which the cable is connected.
4. A cable according to claim 3 wherein the electrical conductors
of the cable are constructed in accordance with industry standards
and the electrical conductors connected to the switch and to the
light source include some of the industry standard conductors.
5. A cable according to claim 2 wherein the electrical power source
comprises at least two batteries, one of the two batteries being
mounted in each of the two connectors.
6. A cable according to claim 5 wherein each connector has a
translucent over-molded outer shroud for transmission of light from
the light sources through the shroud.
7. A cable according to claim 5 wherein each light source is
positioned to direct light from its connector in a longitudinal
direction away from the cord for illuminating an object facing its
connector and also to direct light from its connector in a
transverse direction for indicating a connector having an
illuminated light source.
8. A cable according to claim 7 wherein each connector has a
translucent over-molded outer shroud for transmission of light from
the light source(s) through the shroud.
9. A cable according to claim 5 wherein the first light source and
the second light source are each positioned to direct light from
its connector in a transverse direction for indicating a connector
having an illuminated light source and wherein the cable further
comprises: (a) a third light source mounted to the first connector
and positioned to direct light from its connector in a longitudinal
direction away from the cord for illuminating an object facing its
connector, the third light source being connected to a switch
mounted to the first connector for switching the third light source
between an OFF state and an ON state; and (b) a fourth light source
mounted to the second connector and positioned to direct light from
its connector in a longitudinal direction away from the cord for
illuminating an object facing its connector, the fourth light
source being connected to a switch mounted to the second connector
for switching the fourth light source between an OFF state and an
ON state.
10. A cable according to claim 9 wherein each connector has a
translucent over-molded outer shroud for transmission of light from
the light sources through the shroud.
11. A cable according to claim 5 and further comprising: (a) a
first microcontroller in the first connector having the second
switch connected to an input of the microcontroller and the first
light source connected to an output of the first microcontroller;
and (b) a second microcontroller in the second connector having the
first switch connected to an input of the microcontroller and the
second light source connected to an output of the second
microcontroller.
12. A cable according to claim 11 wherein both switches are
momentary SPST push button switches.
13. A cable according to claim 12 wherein the first light source is
connected along two circuit paths to two different outputs of the
first microcontroller through two different transistors and the
second light source is connected along two circuit paths to two
different outputs of the second microcontroller through two
different transistors.
14. A cable according to claim 13 wherein the connection paths
between the first light source and the first microcontroller each
includes a resistor having values of resistance that differ from
each other for providing two different light intensities and the
connection paths between the second light source and the second
microcontroller each includes a resistor having values of
resistance that differ from each other for providing two different
light intensities.
15. A cable according to claim 14 wherein the light sources are
LEDs controlled by a MOSFET.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/327,641 filed Apr. 26, 2016 which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
[0002] (Not Applicable)
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] (Not Applicable)
REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX
[0004] (Not Applicable)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention relates to cables that have connectors at
their opposite ends and are used for interconnecting computer
equipment, audio and video equipment and related equipment by being
plugged into mating connectors on the equipment. Typical cables to
which the invention is applicable are HDMI and USB cables but the
invention can also be adapted to other cables such as display port
cables and CAT 5 and CAT 6 network cables. More particularly the
invention relates to modifications of currently available cables in
order to allow an installer, who has access to one end of a cable,
to identify the opposite end of the same cable and preferably to
additionally provide illumination that can assist in the insertion
of the cable's connector into a mating connector mounted on the
equipment.
[0006] The age of information technology has brought the
development of many devices that require interconnection to other
devices by means of digital data and/or analog signal transferring
cables. Such cables typically have an intermediate flexible cord
which is a multiplicity of electrical conductors or optical fibers
that are bundled together in an outer sheath. The electrical
conductors or optical fibers transmit signals and extend between
industry-standard connectors to which they are connected at
opposite ends of the cable. Because the term "cable" is sometimes
used to refer to only the bundled conductors and sometimes used to
refer to the combination of the bundled conductors and the end
connectors, the term cable is used herein to refer to the
combination and the word "cord" is used to refer to the bundled
conductors.
[0007] The diversity, quantity and utility of the devices and
equipment that can be interconnected by such cables has made it
common for installations of information technology and audio/video
equipment to be accompanied by numerous intertwined cables leading
between numerous devices along common physical paths in which the
cables have the organization of the proverbial "can of worms". A
person adding, removing, replacing or maintaining the equipment and
who has access to one end of a cable often finds it difficult or
impossible to trace along the cable and find its opposite end among
numerous other cables and cable end connectors. The task of
associating the opposite ends of a cable is even more difficult if
the cable's opposite end connector is in a remote location. There
is, therefore, a need for an indicator on a distant cable end
connector that can be activated by a person who has access to the
connector at the opposite end and thereby signal which end
connectors are connected to the same cable. Such an indicator would
eliminate the need to label the ends of cables during installation
and would allow association of cable ends when the cable was not
labelled during its original installation.
[0008] Additionally, cable end connectors often need to be
connected to mating cabinet-mounted connectors, referred to as
receptacles, that are located among many nearby similar receptacles
in dark or poorly lighted areas. Typically, the cabinet mounted
receptacles also have adjacent labels which must be read by an
installer in order to choose a desired receptacle. To make a cable
connection, the cable connector must be held in the correct
orientation and aligned with the mating receptacle in order to
properly insert the cable connector into the receptacle. Although
flashlights can improve the visibility of the receptacles and their
labels, a flashlight may not be available and, if it is, a
flashlight requires the use of a person's second hand which is
needed, for example, for holding other cables out of the way or for
maintaining physical balance. It is therefore desirable to provide
a cable end connector with an internal illuminator to assist in the
proper insertion of cable connectors into cabinet receptacles.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention is an improvement of a cable of the type that
is used for coupling digital or analog signals between connectors
that are connected to electronic devices and equipment. Such a
cable includes an intermediate cord, a first cable connector at a
first end of the cable and a second cable connector at the opposite
second end of the cable. In its simplest most basic form of the
invention a first light source is mounted to a first cable
connector and a manually actuated first switch is mounted to a
second cable connector. Electrical conductors, including conductors
through the cord, connect the first switch, an electrical power
source and the first light source so that the first light source at
one end connector can be switched to an ON state and to an OFF
state by a first switch at the other end connector. This allows an
operator holding the connector with the first switch to turn on the
first light source at the other end connector so that the light
source functions as an indicator signaling which end connector is
connected to the same cable as the connector on which the switch
was actuated. However, this invention has many varied embodiments,
alternatives and enhancements including the ability to use the
indicator function from either end of the cable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a circuit embodying the
most fundamental embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a simple alternative
embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of a cable embodying the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of a cable connector embodying the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 with its
overmolded shroud removed to reveal the configuration of the
internal components that are related to the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an end view of the connector illustrated in FIGS.
4 and 5.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of
an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of
the preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a State diagram illustrating the operation of the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of
another embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of
still another embodiment of the invention.
[0021] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention
which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or
terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to
direct connection, but include connection through other circuit
elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by
those skilled in the art. In addition, many circuits are
illustrated which are of a type which perform well known operations
on electronic signals. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
there are many, and in the future may be additional, alternative
circuits which are recognized as equivalent because they provide
the same operations on the signals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The fundamental concept of the invention is to mount at
least one light source to the connector at one end of a cable and
at least one switch to the connector at the opposite end of the
cable for switching the light source ON and OFF. That light source
can then function as an indicator. The principal purpose is to
allow a user, who has access to one end of the cable, to identify
the opposite end of the same cable by operating a switch at the
accessible end of the cable and thereby illuminate the indicator
light source at the opposite end of the cable. This concept is
enhanced by providing a light source and switch at the connectors
at both ends of the cable so that this purpose can be accomplished
regardless of which end of the cable the user has access to.
Desirably but not necessarily, both indicator light sources are
turned on simultaneously and remain on as a result of operating the
switch at either one of the end connectors.
[0023] This concept can be modified by mounting two light sources
at one or both ends. The second light source provides an
illumination function and is turned to its ON state and its OFF at
least by a switch at the same end of the cable as the second
illuminating light source. The second light source is preferably a
brighter light source that directs a light beam directly ahead of
the connector to illuminate a mating receptacle on an electronic
appliance in order to assist the user to connect the mating
connector to the receptacle. Alternatively, a single light source
can be used for both the indicating and the illumination functions
and desirably can have a lesser intensity for the indicator
function and a greater intensity for the illumination function.
Most desirably, the illumination light source can be switched to
its ON and OFF state by a switch located at either end of the
cable.
[0024] Because it is desirable that the indicator and illumination
functions are available when a cable is not connected to equipment
at either of its ends, a battery is mounted in at least one and
preferably both of the cable end connectors for use as a power
source for powering the light source(s) and any associated
switching circuitry. Some cables, such as HDMI and USB cables,
include conductors that are connected to an external power source
in an electronic appliance when one of the connectors is connected
to that appliance. The circuit components of the invention can
alternatively be connected to those power supply conductors for
powering the circuit of the invention but that requires that one
end of the cable be connected to equipment.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a cable with a circuit implementing the most
fundamental form of the invention which has a single indicator
light. The cable has a first connector 10 and a second connector 12
connected together through an intermediate cord 14. Although the
cable has many additional signal transmitting conductors for
serving its principal purpose of transmitting data or analog
signals, they are not shown because they are known in the prior art
and are not a part of the invention. A first light source 16,
preferably an LED, is mounted to the first cable connector 10.
Light emitted from the first light source 16 is visible through a
lens or hole 17 in an outer shroud of the first connector 10 and
preferably visible from above, below or beside the first connector
10. A manually actuated first switch 18 is mounted to the second
cable connector 12. The manually actuated first switch 18 is shown
as a SPST momentary push button switch that is actuated by a push
button 20. These components are connected in a series circuit to a
resistance 22 and an electrical power source 24, which is a
battery, through electrical conductors 26 and 28 in the cord 14.
From the above it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the
battery power source 24 can be located in either the first
connector 10 or the second connector 12.
[0026] For all embodiments of the invention, the connector's shroud
can alternatively be made translucent so that light from the first
light source 16 is visible through the shroud instead of requiring
a separate hole or protective lens. Desirably, at least a segment
of the connector shroud and, if desired, the entire connector
shroud is made at least translucent and can also be transparent so
that light from an LED or other light source within the connector
radiates through the plastic shroud. That way light can be radiated
in multiple directions to facilitate both ease of visibility and
the use of a single light source to function as both an illuminator
and an indicator.
[0027] Many different types of manually actuated switches are
available that can be used for switching the first light source 16
to an ON state and an OFF state. The SPST momentary push button
switch 18, when depressed at the second connector 12, will
illuminate the first light source 16 in the first connector 10 as
long as the push button switch 18 is held depressed. This allows an
installer positioned at the second connector 12 to see which
connector at the opposite end of the cord 14 is connected to the
same cord as the second connector 12. Upon release of the push
button switch 18, the first light source 16 is turned to its OFF
state. Alternatively, the first SPST switch 18 can be a SPST push
button switch of the type know as a toggle, maintained, ON/OFF, or
push on-push off switch. A switch of that type alternates states
between ON and OFF each time its button is pushed. The latter
switch allows the first light source 16 to remain in its ON state
when the push button 20 is released after its initial depression
and later turned to its OFF state by a second depression of the
push button 20.
[0028] In order to allow an installer to access the identification
function at either end of the cable, the circuit of FIG. 1 can be
replicated but with the circuitry in the first connector 10
replicated in the second connector 12 and the circuitry of the
second connector 12 replicated in the first connector 10. Although
the same battery can be used for also switching the additional
light source in the second connector 12 to its ON state and its OFF
state, preferably a second battery is also installed in the second
connector 12. However, although this replication of the circuitry
of FIG. 1 allows the installer to use the identification function
from either end of the cable, an additional conductor extending
between the connectors is required.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In
this and other figures that have schematic diagrams, vertical
dashed lines are used to indicate the boundaries between the end
connectors and the interposed cord. The electrical schematic
diagram of the circuit of FIG. 2 is essentially the same as the
well-known two-way switch circuit long used for operating lighting
in buildings. Light source 30 is mounted to one connector and light
source 32 is mounted to the opposite end connector. Two SPDT
switches 34 and 36 are mounted one in each of the two end
connectors and are connected to batteries 28 and 40 as illustrated
in FIG. 2. Each of the switches 34 and 36 have two states and
consequently the circuit has four states. In two of those states
both light sources 30 and 32 are OFF and in two of those states
both light sources 30 and 32 are ON. Consequently, an installer at
either end of the cable can turn ON both light sources by actuation
of either of the switches 34 or 36 from either end of the cable.
Those light sources will remain continuously ON for identification
of the opposite end connector of the same cable until the installer
actuates either of the switches 34 or 36 from either end of the
cable.
[0030] The circuits of FIGS. 1 and 2 were described above to
illustrate their use to provide the indicator function. However,
the illumination function can additionally be incorporated into a
connector by duplicating the FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 circuit. In the case
of the FIG. 1 circuit, the entire FIG. 1 electrical circuit can be
duplicated all in one connector so a switch, a light source and a
battery are all in the same connector and the light source is
positioned to radiate light from the front of its connector. In the
case of the FIG. 2 circuit, it can be duplicated so that the
duplicate circuit would add the illumination function to the
indication function. Although possible, neither of these
alternatives is the preferred embodiment of the invention because
each connector would have two switches and two light sources.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows an example of a physical arrangement of an
embodiment of the invention. The intermediate cord 42 has a
connector 44 at its left end and a connector 46 at its right end. A
light source 48 is mounted in the connector 44 and a light source
50 is mounted in the connector 46. Switches, such as push button
switches 52 and 54, are mounted one in each of the two connectors
44 and 46. Although the light sources 48 and 50 can be mounted in
any position where their radiated light is visible to an installer,
preferably they are mounted on the top of the connectors. For any
of the embodiments previously described or to be described, more
than one indicator light source and even more than one illumination
light source can be mounted at different positions in the
connectors to assure that at least one is visible to an installer
regardless of the orientation of its connector.
[0032] As previously stated, a single light source in a connector
can be used for both the identification purpose and the
illumination purpose. FIGS. 4 through 6 illustrate an example of a
physical arrangement of circuit elements for implementing the
invention in that manner with an HDMI cable. This physical
arrangement can be used for the previously described circuits as
well as those subsequently described. A conventional connector has
a connector housing 60, which contains the electrical conductors
and contacts that are electrically connected to conductors in the
intermediate cord 62. The connector housing 60 has an overmolded
shell or shroud 64 (shown in phantom in FIG. 5) that mechanically
supports its internal components and the connector housing 60. The
connector housing 60 also provides a hand grip for an installer and
physical protection and electrical insulation over the components.
In this embodiment of the invention, a printed circuit board 66
extends from the cord 62 to the connector housing 60 and has
conductors for connecting the conductors in the cord 62 to the
contacts or pins in the conventional connector housing. In
addition, a push button switch 68, an LED light source 70, coin
batteries 71 and other circuit components are mounted to the
printed circuit board 66. A transparent lens 72 is mounted above
the LED 70 and functions as a light guide.
[0033] A portion of the light from the LED 70 is transmitted
through the lens 72 and out through an opening 74 (or secondary
transparent lens) from the overmolded shroud 64 in a transverse
direction for the indication function of the invention. The
direction of the outward radiation from the indicating light source
is preferably transverse, and most preferably out the bottom, top
or sides of the connector shroud 64, so that the light will be
visible to an installer from any direction. In addition, a portion
of the light from the LED 70 is reflected within the lens 72 into a
longitudinal direction away from the cord 62 and out through an
opening or a secondary protective lens 76 (FIG. 6). That direction
of light radiation provides the illumination function by directing
light that will be incident upon and illuminate any object facing
the open end of the connector housing 60. Preferably the
illuminating light is transmitted directly out from the end of the
shroud 64 and approximately parallel to the connector housing 60
where it can best illuminate a receptacle into which the connector
housing 60 is to be connected.
[0034] FIG. 5 also illustrates in phantom lines that a second light
guide lens 78, and a second LED 80 can be provided below (on the
opposite side of) the printed circuit board 66 and arranged in an
inverted configuration from the lens 72 and LED 70 on the upper
side of the printed circuit board 66. This second LED 80 can
provide an additional illumination function by radiating additional
light out through a hole or secondary protective lens 82 (FIG. 6).
In addition or in the alternative, an LED can be positioned to
radiate light for the illumination purpose out through the
connector housing 60.
[0035] Because a light source used for identification should have a
switch for operating that light source at the opposite end of the
cable, electrical conductors between the ends of the cable are
required. Circuits that implement the invention require at least
two, and for some embodiments three, conductors extending between
the end connectors. Some cables, including some HDMI cables, have
conductors in the standard cable that are not used for some
applications. For example, some HDMI cables have conductors
connected to pins 15 and 16 and a "ground" conductor connected to
pin 17. These conductors can be used for implementing embodiments
of the invention for some uses. Using such unused conductors
already in a standard cable eliminates the need for providing
additional conductors in the cord for use with embodiments of the
invention. The additional conductors could interfere with the
electrical properties of the cable in a way that deteriorate the
signals transmitted through the cable. Of course such additional
conductors can be added to the industry-standard conductors when
necessary or desirable.
[0036] From the above description it should be apparent to those
skilled in the art that a manually actuated switch mounted to at
least one connector and a light source mounted to at least the
other connector are critical to the invention. Therefore, the
meaning of the term "switch" and the term "connector" as applied to
the invention are important to an understanding of the
invention.
[0037] The term "connector" has a relatively standard meaning in
the art. However, the invention can be implemented by equivalent
configurations for which it may not be clear that a switch and/or a
light source is in or mounted to the "connector" according to its
common meaning. Although these implementations may be impractical
or needlessly increase cost, they are possible. As one example, a
separate housing can be connected to a conventional end connector
by a very short cord and components of the invention can be mounted
in the separate housing. By placing a separate housing near each
conventional end connector and mounting at least one switch in one
separate housing and at least one light source in the other
separate housing, the advantages of the invention can be realized.
However, such a construction is equivalent because the end
connector of that implementation of the invention merely provides
two part end connectors distributed in two casings that are
connected by a short segment of cord. As another example, a pair of
adapters can be constructed each with components of the invention
mounted in the adapters instead of in the conventional end
connectors. Each such adapter would have a male and a female end
that would connect at each of the opposite ends of a conventional
cable and to a cable receptacle in a device. This too is equivalent
because the effective end connector at each end of the cable is
simply constructed in two parts in two housings that are coupled
together. These equivalent configurations would be conveniently
facilitated by the use of conductors already in a standard cable
and used as described above.
[0038] The term "switch" is commonly used in the electronic arts.
Sometimes it is applied to a mechanical device for switching an
electrical current between an ON state and an OFF state. In
addition there are switching circuits in which multiple electronic
components are connected in a circuit, perform the same switching
function and can be collectively referred to as a switch. Taken
together the switching circuit is a switch because it too switches
an electrical current between an ON state and an OFF state. In
addition, a microprocessor can be used to provide a virtual switch
by using applied inputs from an electronic component, such as a
capacitance switch, to vary its outputs according to its programmed
instructions or algorithm. The outputs control other electronic
components, such as a MOS/FET, to switch an electrical current
between an ON state and an OFF state. Switches can be momentary;
that is in an ON state only while being manually actuated. Switches
can also toggle; that is when actuated they switch between their ON
state and their OFF state and remain in that state until they are
again actuated. These various forms of a "switch" can be useful in
implementing embodiments of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic switching circuit that can
be used to implement the invention. This circuit uses momentary
push button switches sw1 and sw2, one in each connector, with
flip-flops U1A and U2A so that the momentary switches sw1 and sw2
toggle LEDs D1-D4 between an OFF state and an ON state to provide
indicating lights similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2. Each
depression of a momentary push button switch sw1 or sw2 toggles the
state of the D flip-flop U1A or U2A to which the push button switch
sw1 or sw2 is connected. If the Q outputs (pin 1) of U1A and U2A
are both HIGH or both LOW, no current flows through the
light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and resistors, and none of the LEDs is
illuminated. However, if the Q output of U1A (U1A pin 1) is HIGH
and the Q output U2A pin 1 is LOW, current flows through D2 and D3,
turning on the indicating diodes at each connector. Conversely, if
U1A pin 1 is LOW and U2A pin 1 is HIGH, current flows through D1
and D4, again turning on the indicating feature at each connector.
Like the two-way switch configuration of FIG. 2, dedicated
conductors must extend between the connectors.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates the electronic circuit of the preferred
embodiment of the invention. It is preferred because it combines
several desirable features. The FIG. 8 circuit requires only one
switch in each connector which are momentary push button switches
SW1 and SW2. Such switches are the least costly and most reliable
form of push button switch. The FIG. 8 circuit also requires only
one light source D1, D2 in each connector so each light source can
be mounted in its connector to serve both the indicator function
and the illumination function. Additionally, the light sources D1
and D2 have a greater light intensity for illumination and a lesser
light intensity for indication and therefore minimizes battery
power consumption. The circuit of FIG. 8 is particularly suitable
for use with the physical features illustrated in FIGS. 4-6.
[0041] In the FIG. 8 circuit, the switches SW1 and SW2 are each an
input to one of two 8-bit microcontrollers U1 and U2, one
microcontroller being located in each connector. The two
microcontrollers U1 and U2 are connected together through
conductors in the cord portion of the cable. In Connector 1, MOSFET
Q1 controls current flow through resistor R2 and LED D1 for the
indicating feature. MOSFET Q2 controls current flow through
resistor R3 and LED D1 for the projected illumination feature.
Because a higher illumination intensity and therefore greater
current is desired for the illumination function than for the
indication function, resistor R3 is a smaller series resistor than
resistor R2. In connector 2, MOSFET Q3 and resistor R5 are
associated with and control the indicating feature of D2 and MOSFET
Q4 and resistor R6 are associated with and control the illumination
in the same manner as the corresponding circuit elements in
connector 1.
[0042] The indicating and illuminating functions of the FIG. 8
circuit are accomplished through a sequence of push button presses
of switches SW1 and SW2 on either one or both connectors. The
operation of the FIG. 8 circuit can be explained with the
assistance of the state diagram of the operating states as shown in
FIG. 9.
[0043] In State 0 the LED light sources D1 and D2 of both
connectors are OFF and will remain in that state as long both
switches are OFF or not activated by being depressed. If SW1 in
Connector 1 is pressed and momentarily turned ON, the system moves
to State 1, in which MOSFET Q2 is switched to its conducting state
turning ON the LED D1 in Connector 1 and placing it in the
illumination mode projecting its higher intensity light from the
connector 1. Like State 0, the system will remain in State 1 as
long neither switch is activated.
[0044] If, while in State 1, SW1 OR SW2 (either switch on either
connector) is depressed, MOSFET Q2 is switched to its
non-conducting state turning OFF the LED D1 in Connector 1 thereby
turning OFF the illumination feature. Also MOSFETs Q1 and Q3 are
switched to their conducting states and thereby turn ON LEDs D1 and
D2. This moves the system to State 3 turning on the indicating
feature of State 3. In this state, LEDs D1 and D2 in both
connectors are illuminated at the lower intensity and may be
blinking or have some other feature that distinguishes them from
the the projected illumination function.
[0045] While in State 3, another activation of either push button
switch SW1 or SW2 will extinguish the LEDs and return the system to
State 0.
[0046] If the system is in State 0 and push button switch SW2 is
activated and momentarily turned ON, the system moves to State 2,
switching MOSFET Q4 to its conducting state thereby turning ON LED
D2 and activating the illumination feature of connector 2.
[0047] While in State 2, an activation of either push button switch
SW1 or SW2 moves the system into State 3, where both connectors are
again in the indicating mode.
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative similar embodiment of the
invention using microcontrollers U1 and U2. In the embodiment of
FIG. 10 only one LED (Q1, Q2) at each connector provides the light
source for both the illumination and the identification modes. This
circuit, however, does not have the dual intensity feature of the
circuit of FIG. 9.
[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another similar alternative
embodiment of the invention using microcontrollers U1 and U2.
Although similar is structure and operation, the circuit of FIG. 11
has two push button switches SW1 and SW2 in connector 1 and two
push button switches SW3 and SW4 in connector 2. This circuit also
has two LEDs D1 and D2 in connector 1 and two LEDs D3 and D4 in
connector 2. For the illumination mode in connector 1, switch SW2
switches LED D2 between its ON state and its OFF state. For the
illumination mode in connector 2, switch SW4 switches LED D4
between its ON state and its OFF state. As seen from the circuit
diagrams, the illumination mode circuit in both connectors 1 and 2
is essentially the same circuit as illustrated in FIG. 1. For the
indication mode, the microcontrollers U1 and U2 switch the MOSFETs
Q1 and Q3 in their respective connectors between their conducting
and non-conducting states. The MOSFETs Q1 and Q3 control the LEDs
D1 and D3 to turn them ON and OFF according to the programming of
the microcontrollers U1 and U2. The microcontrollers U1 and U2 can
be programmed to either turn the LEDs D1 and D3 both ON at the same
time. Alternatively, the microcontrollers U1 and U2 can be
programmed to turn ON only the LED at one connector when the push
button switch SW1 or SW3 at the other connector is depressed.
[0050] The detailed description illustrates various embodiments of
the invention using some of the possible combinations of light
sources, switch types, and switch locations as well as various
switches, including mechanical switches, capacitance switches and
electronic switches which may include logic circuits and/or a
microcontroller and combinations of them. A person skilled in the
art will recognize that there are many additional and different
circuits that can be designed for implementing the present
invention. The invention can be implemented in simple switching
circuits connected to a source of power and light sources, with the
use of logic circuits and flip-flops and well as with a programmed
microprocessor, microcontroller or digital logic circuits connected
to switches, a source of power and light sources.
[0051] This detailed description in connection with the drawings is
intended principally as a description of the presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the
only form in which the present invention may be constructed or
utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means,
and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the
illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by
different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the invention and that various
modifications may be adopted without departing from the invention
or scope of the following claims.
* * * * *